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Preventing diabetic problems is essential to living a healthy fulfilling life. Following a proper eating plan, exercising, monitoring blood glucose levels, taking your medication as prescribed, quitting smoking, caring for your eyes and feet, and checking your feet daily are essential to protect your diabetic feet.
Your foot is one of the most complex structures in the body because it has 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 tendons, muscles and ligaments. Diabetes can comprise your feet with diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease resulting in the inability to heal properly. Taking proper care of your feet is one of the most important things you can do if you suffer from diabetes. Ways to care for your feet are:
- Washing your feet daily and drying them thoroughly
- Rubbing in lotion on your feet if they are dry, avoiding the areas between the toes
- Checking your feet everyday for sores, cuts, blisters, calluses or other problems
- Cutting you toenails once a week or as needed
- Making sure your shoes are fitted properly
- Always wearing shoes, slippers or diabetic shoes or orthotics as prescribed
- Feeling the inside of you shoes periodically for sharp edges or objects that could injure your foot
- Never walk barefoot
- If you have injury to the foot, prevent infection from moisture by utilizing a waterproof plastic covering
- Consult your podiatrist immediately if an injury is not healing properly or infection is suspected
- Always see you podiatrist yearly or more frequently if advised
Monitoring the health of you feet is imperative to maintaining your mobility and freedom. All though diabetes is a frightening disease that affects more than twenty six million Americans, you can live a healthy and active life through proper education and care.
Phone: (505) 883-6600 |info@angelafootdoctor.com
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“Dr Drury,
I thought I’d drop you a note and thank you again for hanging in there with me to get over my foot issues – primarily the plantar fasciitis. I’ve got great news to report as my husband and I did an extremely difficult hike at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon a few weeks ago and my foot was fine (other muscle groups were not quite ready for the level of difficulty). The hike was 9.4 miles with major elevation changes. Over this weekend, we did a 27 mile bike ride in Valle Caldera Preserve and again the foot held up fine. It is so wonderful to be back doing the outdoor activities I enjoy.
Truthfully, I’m also be glad to be wearing my cute shoes again a few days a week.
The APC treatment was amazing, I can’t believe the success I’ve had since having the treatment last November. As you know, I went through the cortisone shots with no success and we were starting to consider surgery. The APC treatment eliminated that need.
Thank you again to you and your staff for the part you played in my recovery. I recommend you and your staff to anyone I meet having foot issues.”
Ann Swancer